
Community identification
Household Casebearer / Plaster Bagworm
Phereoeca uterebella
- Order & Family
- Lepidoptera: Tineidae
- Size
- Case is 8 to 14 mm in length; larvae range similarly within.
Natural Habitat
Found indoors, predominantly in humid areas on walls or ceilings, near silk-producing spiders or dust.
Diet & Feeding
Scavenger that feeds on spider webs, wool, hair, and various proteinaceous debris like dead insects.
Behavior Patterns
The larva constructs a protective silk case flattened in the middle and open at both ends to allow the insect to emerge and feed from either side; it drags the case as it grows and eventually pupates inside.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; while they may damage natural fiber textiles like wool or silk, they primarily act as household scavengers of dust and organic debris.